The Perfect Twenty-One Birthday

At the palace on Heart Island, Hiccup was walking around the shiny hallways, Toothless behind him. "Hello? Anybody here?" He turned his head to Toothless. "Where is everyone bud?"

The dragon shrugged. "I don't know,"

Hiccup frowned. "Toothless…are you hiding something?"

"No," he shook his head, innocently. Too innocent. "Let's check the gardens. Maybe Raya might be there,"

"I know you're hiding something bud. And I'm gonna find out. Now…where are Smokey and Sharpshot hiding?" he started walking through the halls again, trying to find at least one person. Perhaps Raya. As they kept walking on, Toothless secretly pointed his tail upwards and made his fins swish right. A signal.

Hiccup went searching through the gardens and the rooms. Even the village. No one was there. The sun had completely risen. They came to the dining hall again. He growled in annoyance. "Honestly where is everyone?" he growled. "I thought at least Raya would show up," he pushed the doors open. He saw nothing but a plain empty hall. He stepped inside.

Just then there was a sudden burst of voices. "Surprise!"

Hiccup felt his heart jump as sparkles appeared out of nowhere. He saw dragon heads poking out of the windows, people appearing behind pillars. Then from out of nowhere appeared Sharpshot and Smokey. They flew into him, licking his face affectionately. As he held them, they smiled and perched on his shoulders. He looked at everyone again, people from Heart and some visitors from Fang, Talon, Tail, and Spine. The dragons included Pengu, Amba, Pranee, Jagan, Stormfly, Hookfang, Meatlug and Barf and Belch; they were ecstatic to celebrate his birthday with him. They came towards him clapping, cheering. He was touched.

They had planned a particular birthday party for his 21st. He turned his head to Toothless who had turned into a cheeky human. "Were you distracting me?"

"Probably," he chuckled.

"Happy Birthday Hiccup," spoke Raya's kind voice. Hiccup turned his head and saw his love dressed so beautifully walking him gracefully towards him, dressed in her best clothes, her father behind her.

"You remembered," he said, taking her hands into his.

"Of course, we did son," Benja addressed affectionately. "You think we'd forget?"

"What? No," scoffed Hiccup playfully. Raya playfully glared. "Okay. Yes, I did,"

"We would never forget," she said, kissing him quickly much to the awe of their people.

That's our favourite couple. Smokey and Sharpshot chirped together flapping their wings above them, forming a heart with their tails.

"Happy Birthday, Birthday Boy!" Sisu came flying into the hallway, picked up Hiccup by his armpits and spun him, bringing him into a big hug. He chuckled, begging to be put down and she did just that before turning into a human to stand beside Hiccup.

Hiccup sniffled. "You have no idea how much this means," he expressed gratefully, gazing at everyone. Boun, Tong, Noi and the Ongis appeared, carrying large boxes of gifts. His little dragons perched on his shoulders. "For me?"

"What's a birthday without presents," Tong held up the first box. Everyone watched intently as Hiccup approached, wondering what lovely gifts they had prepared for him. He lifted the lid and he saw a sword resembling Inferno. Only a bit bigger. And the handle had extra gadgets attached to it including an extra knife attached to it. "It's…amazing," he lifted the handle and admired its amazing qualities. "Thank you, Tong," He hugged his hefty friend.

"Can't take all the credit," Tong looked at his wife and their four-year-old kid.

Hiccup thanked them and then Noi and her Ongis appeared with their present. He gently placed his new Inferno blade back in its box and moved on to his next present. He opened the box and to his delight saw a set of jade robes. He lifted them out and saw how elegant they were, made of the finest material in the land. He saw the emblem of Toothless sewn on the back. "They're amazing,"

"It took the finest silk from Heart and Talon to make them," said Benja admirably. "Let's place them on,"

He gently clipped the robes around Hiccup's neck with a special dragon brooch and everyone marvelled at his unique look. They were rich with splendour. "I love them. Thank you so much,"

Boun appeared with his gift. He opened it and to his amazement, he saw all his favourite treats from all over the land; treats that required rare special ingredients. He licked his chops, his mouth wetting already. "Thank you so much,"

"Just wait till we get to the feast," Boun was eager for everyone to dig into all the amazing goodies he had prepared for the birthday banquet.

"Let the celebrations begin!" Benja cheered.

The entire palace became a party booth. Escorted by his friends, dragons and girlfriend, Hiccup was entertained with dances and tricks. In the gardens, Tuk-Tuk put on a rolling show with Raya and she did a flip in the air and to Hiccup's amazement, the pill-bug animal was able to roll himself back off his back during a stunt. Next Noi and the Ongis put on a spectacular acrobatic display. He was awed when Noi was flipped into the air and landed gracefully on the stack of three Ongis doing a one-hand hand-stand with a split. He clapped. "Nailed it Noi,"

"Just wait till you see what we have in store," said Sisu excitedly. Turning into a dragon again, she summoned a gentle shower of rain and she and her siblings flew into the air. They all smiled down upon Hiccup. Then their flying show commenced.

Namaari wandered through the forests endlessly, trying to reach the dragon-shaped river. She gazed around, seeing no Drunn anywhere. It had been three long years and she felt the only thing that had changed was there was no Drunn anymore, no statues of people. It felt so strange. Just then she heard distant roaring above her. She looked up and saw dragons. Not like the water ones. They were like the ones she had seen all around the Archipelago that she had spent her self-exile observing. Over time she had seen that they had gone disappearing but since her capture back on Berk, she understood. They had all come here for sanctuary. But now they were in danger.

As she looked up, she noticed a flock of them flying together heading west. Judging by the fauna she was standing in, it meant that they were heading towards Heart. Her only chance to reach it was to follow them. But what then? How would they respond to her? Would they believe her?

Sisu and her siblings finished with all of them stacking on top of one another, doing poses. "Ta-da!"

Hiccup clapped. "That was amazing!" They all landed before him. "You guys were incredible,"

"It was our pleasure Hiccup," said Pengu proudly. They heard roars. Looking up they saw dozens of more dragons coming over, landing around the gardens. "They've all come to celebrate. You're their hero,"

"I never could have rescued them without Toothless," he scratched his main dragon's chin. "Or these cute guys," he scratched Sharpshot and Smokey's chins but the Smokebreath despised being called 'cute'. "And you Raya,"

She smiled, blushing, slipping her fingers between his,"

"Aww…you guys are just so adorable," Sisu snaked her body around them, squeezing them together.

"Okay. Getting squeezed here," the princess mumbled.

"Please. You're embarrassing us Sisu," Hiccup begged.

Sisu unravelled them. "Sorry. You guys are just too juicy when you're cute,"

"Sisu!" everyone complained. She chuckled nervously.

"Okay enough with the lovey-dovey stuff!" complained Boun. "It's time for the banquet everyone!"

All the guests came into the dining room which had been decorated like a cake, dragon banners hanging everywhere. Sisu, Toothless and her siblings sat at windows where they could still poke their heads in and be close to the table.

Hiccup sat with Raya, Benja and their close friends and their families. There were over fifty tables altogether and dragons sat patiently outside. Then to his amazement, a giant pot was rolled into the room, emitting an aroma that flew its way up his nostrils. "Smells so good," he wheezed, mouth-watering again.

Bowls were served. Everyone dug into the tasty stew that was Hiccup's favourite, a mixture of rare Kumandra sauces and vegetables. The bread was served as well along with a side of delicious chicken and vegetables. Dragons were served well-roasted fish with sauce. And the Boulder Class dragons were given special rocks found in Spine's mountains. Tuk-Tuk ate five large bowls before he was full up.

The feast ended and all were escorted to the giant ballroom. Then special music was played on the harp and drums and flutes and more… it felt so magical. The little dragon flew around doing a flight show in circles above their heads including Sharpshot and Smokey.

Everyone decided to dance. Tong with his wife. Boun with his sister. And human Sisu who pulled human Toothless.

"No Sisu. Please," Toothless begged. "I'm not a good dancer,"

"Come on. It'll be fun," she blinked sheepishly at him. "Just for a bit?"

"Come on bud," Hiccup encouraged. "You don't make her siblings angry do you?"

Toothless rolled his eyes. "Fine. But just for a while,"

"Yeah!" Sisu pulled him. She observed everyone around them, focusing on their arm and foot movements. She gently placed Toothless's left hand on her hip and clasped his hand and the next thing the Night Fury knew he was being pulled out in an awkward routine of clumsy steps.

Hiccup and Raya giggled. Hiccup offered a hand. "May I have this dance, my angel?"

She blushed and smiled. "You may,"

Benja smiled tearfully as Hiccup gently guided his daughter to the centre of the ballroom. They held hands. He placed his hand on her hip. She clasped his forearm. And then they began to dance. Everyone slowly paused and stood back allowing them to have more room to dance as Hiccup sometimes picked her and spun her around. They moved gracefully as one around the hall, like graceful doves.

Sisu and Toothless admired them admirably. Toothless felt his heart thumping, feeling Sisu beside him. He imagined himself and her beings like Hiccup and Raya. So close and inseparable. But differences rattled his thoughts.

Hiccup lifted Raya and spun around, her arms wide out like wings and he twirled her around. As he placed her down, everyone clapped and gathered all around them. They loved their romantic devotion to one another. Sharpshot and Smokey made hearts with fire and smoke and everyone else clapped for joy.

Just then, Boun whistled and a giant birthday cake was pushed into the dining room. Hiccup pressed his hands over his mouth. His favourite cake. It consisted of five layers covered in green icing and decorated with golden dragons. It was wonderful. And there were twenty-one cakes decorating it. He was awed at how much hard work had been made to bake it. "Thank you Boun," he hugged him.

"Can't take all the credit," the kid gestured to Carmen who smiled, appreciating the gratitude for their lovely hard work.

"You too Carmen," he said.

"Come on! Blow out your candles!" goaded Sisu impatiently.

Toothless turned into a dragon and Hiccup sat on him. Everyone started singing Happy Birthday. And as they finished, with Toothless moving around the cake in a full circle, Hiccup blew out the candles one by one until the last one, the biggest one was on top of the candle remained. He gazed down at everyone. "Thank you all so much! There is no greater wish that I can make right thane to have such a wonderful life with all of you," he blew out the final flame and everyone clapped. With tears of joy, he was lowered down and then he embraced Raya, then Benja, and everyone joined in a giant group hug.

The cake was served. Hiccup was given the biggest slice but he chose to share it with Raya. They each fed each other pieces much to the funny disgust of everyone else. Toothless and Sisu had some slices. And to Hiccup's delight, all the other dragons were able to get slices too. They deserved it. This truly was a grand celebration to remember.

Astrid and her team had been through the forests for hours. It was getting quite dark. And they'd yet to find any trace of land. Or a sign of Namaari or a dragon.

"How long will it take to find a dragon?!" complained Dagur.

"Just shut up," Fishlegs bellowed.

"Hey!" Dagur grabbed his round face and made him turn to meet his fiery eyes. "You don't tell me what to do,"

Astrid stomped forward and pushed him away. "Back away from him. And if you wanna kill a dragon, keep your mouth shut or I'll gag you," she marched forward.

"So fiery Astrid," complimented Snotlout.

She scoffed, wanting to get as far away from him as possible.

"Hey, guys look!" Fishlegs pointed ahead and they could see a stream. "A river," he rushed through and the moment he came to the riverbank, he filled up his flask and took a needful sip.

"Well done Fishlegs," praised Astrid.

"Excuse me but what does this have to find dragons?" complained Dagur.

Astrid scrolled. "Are you that dumb Dagur?" she lashed at him. "This could lead us to dragons. They need water, right? So…we'll follow it until we find civilisation or a dragon nest,"

"Actually, I think we already have," Snotlout was standing on the shore. He pointed west. They looked left and to their amazement, they saw an island kingdom in the far distance. Hundreds of dragons flap around.

"It looks… beautiful," admired Fishlegs.

Dagur and Snotlout glared at him. "The palace I mean. I mean…it looks like a palace,"

"We need to get a closer look," said Astrid.

"But what about our prisoner?" Dagur asked.

"She couldn't have made it to them. If she had, there would be dragons searching all over by now," Fishlegs clarified.

"Good point Fishlegs," approved Astrid. "Now…you and I are gonna go and spy on that island and see what we can find. You two…" she pointed at the arrogant teenage chief and arrogant teenage flirter. "Are gonna head east and see if you can find that girl?"

"And tell me why I'm not going to where all the fun is?' demanded Dagur.

"Because I don't trust you won't give us away," said Astrid, knowing his deranged nature would mean they'd be discovered and therefore the invasion would fail before it would even begin.

"She's the leader. So, you two had better do what she says," advised Fishlegs. "After all she is the future chieftess,"

Dagur growled. "Don't you two screw up," he started marching off east.

Snotlout fumed and followed behind him.

The two parties went in their separate directions down the river.

It was night-time now and dinner was already being cooked by Boun and Carmen. The party lasted for hours and no one could stop celebrating. The moon was high and bright. Hiccup and Raya decided to take a stroll together out in the gardens together. Hiccup marvelled at how beautiful she looked. It seemed as if only yesterday they had met each other. They had come so far together. From strangers to friends. From friends to lovers. He couldn't ask for anything better.

"Thank you for everything Raya," he said. "You've made this day truly special,"

"It makes me happy to see you so happy," she blushed deeply.

He swung his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, her head resting on his shoulder.

Up above, nestled on the roof, Toothless observed them happily. Smokey and Sharpshot on his head.

He definitely needs to propose. Wished Sharpshot.

On his birthday? Smokey disapproved.

Absolutely. Said Sharpshot. I just want them to be married already.

"They will," said Toothless. "It's bound to happen any moment now,"

They heard footsteps behind them and turned to see Sisu. "Mind for an extra one?" she asked.

Toothless nodded and she laid down next to him.

Sharing glances and blinking, Sharpshot and Smokey flew off back inside the hall to join the party.

Sisu lay her head against his shoulder and Toothless purred. They watched Hiccup and Raya down there together. "This never gets old," she said.

"No," Toothless agreed. "It doesn't. In all my years I have never seen anything more beautiful than love,"

"Do you.." Sisu paused. "Do you ever think…you could ever feel that…with someone?" she realised what she had just asked and felt her heart freeze.

Toothless thought for a second. His heart rate accelerated at the question. "In all honesty…" Sisu wanted intently for his answer. "I…I don't think I ever could,"

Sisu felt crushed hearing him say that. "Why do you say that?"

"Because…because…" he didn't want to embarrass himself any longer. "I don't want to talk about it. Let's just…let's just focus on what's down there. Today's not about me," he focused back on watching his best friend / surrogate brother. Sisu sighed. Did he not have feelings for her? She felt crushed inside.

As Hiccup and Raya spent their time in the gardens, the birthday walk took them to the top of Heart Mountain, near the temple where the Dragon Gem once again lay inside, glowing blue. Fractured with cracks. But full of magic and light. As they came to the very top view, they sat down together and observed the wonders of the land once again.

"Hiccup…" Raya spoke up, her hand reaching behind to her pocket. "There's something I really need to give you. This is my birthday gift to you…"

"You've given me everything I could ever want," he cupped her cheeks. "You. And besides, I have a gift for you first. Please let me give it to you first,"

Raya prepared herself. Hiccup reached behind him, finding a box. "Raya, you are the most wonderful, most beautiful woman I have ever met. You make me so happy. You are a part of my life that I cannot live without. We've been together for three years now…and now…" his body quivered with every word he spoke, bringing him up to the ultimate moment. "I feel it's time to take the biggest step of all in our relationship," he pulled out the box and opened it, revealing the ring. Her hands flew to her mouth. "Raya, princess of Heart…will you marry me?"

She leaked tears. In a second, she slammed her lips onto his, throwing her arms around his neck, and kissing him deeply. He kissed back. "Yes," she sniffled. He gasped joyfully. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

He slipped the golden ring onto his fingers. They were now officially engaged. Well, not completely.

"This is my gift to you Hiccup. Will you be my husband and future chief?" she opened her box, revealing her ring for him.

He gasped. She was going to propose to him too. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!" he kissed her deeply again. And she slipped the ring onto his finger. They felt as if they were having a private wedding ceremony together.

"I love you Hiccup," she spoke with all her passion.

"I love you, Raya," he smiled. They embraced one another. Excited about the many adventures they would have together once they were wedded.

Astrid and Fishlegs made it towards the island. They came to the stone bridge that connected the mainland to the island with had an arch-shaped mountain. They observed the number of dragons flying over the island. It looked like a fortress. Crouching beside the bridge, she pulled out her spyglass and peered through. She could see people everywhere. She raised her vision up toward the palace and saw hundreds of people, wearing different colours.

"What are they doing?" asked Fishlegs.

"They're celebrating something," she said. "And that's not it. Look at those serpent things," she handed her close friend the spyglass and he saw the serpentine reptiles which they didn't know were water dragons. "I don't know what those things are…but they're definitely not like anything we've seen before,"

"This can't be the only civilisation in this land," said Fishlegs. "Look at all those people," Astrid counted five different colour sets of clothing. "We need to learn more about all our enemies," They must be further along the river.

"We must get back and warn the chief. First, we need to find Dagur and Snotlout,"

"No need to," spooked a voice.

They jumped and turned around to see Snotlout behind them. "Happy to see me?" he jeered.

Astrid growled. And punched him. "I told you to go east along the river with dad,"

"Well…I told myself…I don't need to follow your orders,"

She growled again. "You're lucky Stoick isn't here or he'd buff you up," she glanced through again.

"Where is Dagur anywhere?" asked Fishlegs.

"Don't worry. He still's going along the river. Chance he might back this way. He wouldn't want to miss out on all the fun,"

"And I bet when he comes back, he'll be trying to kill you," Astrid said.

"He wouldn't kill his biggest fan!"

"You're not his fan," she said. "He hardly notices you,"

He huffed and ignored her, crossing his arms.

Astrid looked again through the telescope. She aimed it towards the palace again, towards the gardens. Just then she saw something that made her heart jump. "It can't be," she breathed.

"Astrid, what is it?' asked Fishlegs.

Astrid looked through again. And on the mountain, she saw a couple walking in green, holding hands, the boy spinning around the girl, their hands clasped together, wearing rings of gold. She lowered it in fright. And twisted her head with pale colouring, both cheeks and eyes. "It's him. It's Hiccup,"

That's another chapter done. Sorry for taking a while. Been busy. What did you all think? And don't worry we'll learn more about Namaari soon. Please send reviews and let me know what ou all thought. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.